Davido Fires Back At Wizkid, Declaring, "Your Career Is Over," As Their Feud Escalates

The rivalry between Nigerian music stars Wizkid and Davido has reached new heights, with tensions escalating and a heated exchange taking place on social media. 

The feud began when Wizkid uploaded a diss video of Davido, subtly mocking him. 

This sparked a flurry of reactions from fans and even other singers like Kizz Daniel and Tekno, who got involved in the spats. 

In response, Davido took to his X page to subtly criticize Wizkid's music, stating that his songs are no longer recognized. Wizkid then responded by saying there was no point in arguing with "delusional niggas." 

Davido, in turn, called Wizkid a "sick man with  with a death Career" in response to his earlier remark.

The beef between these two music icons continues to intensify.

Severe Flooding Claims Lives Of Many In Kenya After Heavy Rains

Not less than 45 people have lost their lives in the southwest region of Kenya due to a dam breaking on Sunday evening, caused by intense rainfall leading to widespread flooding throughout the nation.

Also, in eastern Kenya, a boat capsized, leaving several people missing. Rescue teams are actively searching for survivors in the Mai Mahiu area of Nakuru County, where flooding has caused significant devastation.

According to VOA, John Karungu, a local resident, described the harrowing experience of witnessing the dam break in the early hours of the morning. 

Joel Kuria, a farmer, recounted the chaos as the rushing waters destroyed homes and livestock. 

Reports suggest that a clogged tunnel may have contributed to the flooding. Kenyan officials, including Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen and Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika, have visited the affected areas to coordinate rescue efforts and provide assistance to those impacted by the disaster.

Since mid-March, heavy rains have caused the loss of over 140 lives in the East African country. 

The devastating floods have also resulted in the displacement of thousands of people. In Nairobi, the capital city, Reuters reports that a staggering 10,000 individuals have tragically lost their homes.

Tragically, the death toll is anticipated to increase further following a tragic incident over the weekend. 

A boat capsized in the Tana River in eastern Kenya, leading to the loss of numerous lives. The Kenyan Red Cross managed to rescue 23 individuals from the boat, but unfortunately, more than a dozen people remain missing.

As a result of the severe flooding, the Kenyan government has made the difficult decision to postpone the reopening of schools until next week. 

This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff in the face of ongoing challenges caused by the floods.

Edo Governor Obaseki Raises Minimum Wage To N70,000

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has recently given his approval for a significant raise in the minimum wage for civil servants in the state. Effective from May 1st, 2024, the new minimum wage will now stand at N70,000.

This announcement was made during the inauguration ceremony of the state's modern Labour House secretariat complex, located along Temboga Road, Ikpoba-Hill, Benin City. Governor Obaseki expressed his commitment to improving the welfare of workers in Edo State by implementing this wage increase.

The increase occurred as a direct response to the extensive advocacy carried out by the public to enhance the living standards of Civil Servants. Unfortunately, due to the harsh economic conditions resulting from the removal of fuel subsidy by the Tinubu-led Federal Government, many individuals have been plunged into poverty.

12-Year-old Beyoncé Daughter Join Her Mother in ‘Mufasa: The Lion King"

Beyonce daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, is set to star alongside her mother, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, in the upcoming film "Mufasa: The Lion King." 

The movie, directed by Barry Jenkins, is a prequel to the 2019 hit "The Lion King," where Beyoncé voiced Nala. 

Blue Ivy will be making her feature film debut by voicing Kiara, the daughter of Nala and Simba. 

Other talented actors like Donald Glover, Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, Mads Mikkelsen, and Thandiwe Newton will also be part of the cast. 

The film is expected to hit theaters in December.

Blue Ivy has already made appearances alongside her mother, including joining her onstage during the Renaissance tour. She has even won a Grammy for the best music video category for "Brown Skin Girl," a single by Beyoncé.

The Lion King proved to be a phenomenal success, raking in a staggering $192 million during its opening weekend in theaters across the United States and Canada. Its global ticket sales surpassed a remarkable $1.5 billion, solidifying its position as a true box-office sensation.

Hamas Is The Sole Obstacle Preventing Ceasefire In Gaza - US Secretary Of State

The US Secretary of State  Anthony Blinken  had stated that Hamas is the sole obstacle preventing a ceasefire between the residents of Gaza.

Blinken expressed his optimism on Monday regarding the acceptance of Israel's "exceptionally generous" cease-fire proposal by Hamas, which is currently the only obstacle preventing peace in Gaza. 

Blinken made these remarks during his visit to Riyadh, where he engaged in discussions aimed at ending the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has persisted for nearly seven months. 

Urging Hamas to make a prompt decision, Blinken emphasized the need for the militants, who were targeted by Israel following their attack on October 7 resulting in the loss of 1,200 lives and the capture of approximately 250 hostages, to choose wisely.

He expressed hope that they would opt for the right course of action, as it has the potential to bring about a significant shift in the prevailing situation.

Credited to VOA

Tobi Amusan Emerges Victorious Once Again Despite Facing Adversity from Track Officials

Despite facing a setback in her previous race, the talented Tobi Amusan showcased her unwavering determination and reclaimed her dominance in the 100mH event. 

Unfortunately, she was disqualified by the track officials for a false start during the women's 100mH at the Shanghai Diamond league. However, undeterred by this decision, Tobi decided to make an appeal and requested to run under protest.

With sheer resilience, Tobi Amusan made a remarkable comeback and crossed the finish line in first place with a time of 12.60s (pending appeal). 

Although Camacho - quinn was initially awarded the win with a time of 12.63s, Tobi's outstanding performance cannot be overlooked.

Death Sentence Of Prominent Iranian Raper Sparks Widespread Outrage

Iran's recent decision to issue a death sentence to dissident rapper Toomaj Salehi has sparked condemnation from both domestic and international critics of the Islamic republic, with a German lawmaker warning that Tehran could face a significant backlash if it proceeds with the execution. 

German parliament member Ye-One Rhie, who has been supporting Salehi since his arrest in October 2022, expressed concerns in an interview on VOA's Flashpoint Global Crises program. Rhie suggested that the Iranian government is using the death sentence as a way to gauge public reactions to Salehi's case. 

According to Rhie, Iran's move to sentence Salehi to death is a test of the waters, similar to the recent aerial assault on Israel. The attack on Israel was met with resistance from Israeli forces, supported by Western allies and Arab nations. 

Toomaj Salehi was sentenced to death in Iran for his involvement in the 2022 protests and his music supporting the demonstrations, according to his lawyer. 

The news of Salehi's death sentence was first reported by the Iranian state-approved newspaper Shargh on Wednesday, with one of his lawyers vowing to appeal the decision.

Credited to VOA

Rivers Tanker Explosion - 5 Confirmed Death And 70 Vehicles Burnt

Five people have been pronounced dead, with several others injured, and more than 70 vehicles destroyed in a tanker explosion that occurred in the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State on Friday night.

According to an eyewitness, the tragic incident was a result of a collision between a petrol-laden tanker and a heavy-duty truck, causing the tanker to spill its contents and ignite into flames.

The fire quickly spread to numerous vehicles along the Akpajo-Onne Road due to the traffic congestion caused by the ongoing road construction in the area.

"Due to the poor road conditions, there were no alternative routes available, resulting in many vehicles being engulfed by the fire. Some individuals who attempted to flee their vehicles were unfortunately trapped and lost their lives."

According to PUNCH, the devastating event took place around 2 am on Friday, when a bus carrying crude oil caught fire while attempting to reach an illegal refining site in the vicinity.

The burnt vehicles were scattered across the area, with an estimated loss of millions in property damage.

Authorities have confirmed the incident and are actively working to restore order at the scene. Safety measures have been put in place to prevent further risks as they strive to bring the situation under control.

Israeli Defence Force Release Historical Artifact To Advocate For Hostages Held In Gaza

The IDF has recently unveiled an ancient inscription known as the Haggadah, shedding light on the remarkable Exodus journey of the Jewish people from Egypt.

However, in a unique twist, the IDF is now utilizing this historical artifact to advocate for the liberation of Israeli hostages currently being held in Gaza by Hamas terrorists.

During the week,The Western diplomats had  urged Hamas to release the remaining hostages it is holding in the Gaza Strip in order to restore peace to the region. 

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated on X, that 200 days ago, Hamas perpetrated the most lethal assault on the Jewish community since the Holocaust. As of today, hostages are still being held captive, causing immense anguish for their families.

The Western nations recognize the suffering of those affected by the conflict and emphasize the importance of the hostages' release for the restoration of peace.

Despite numerous pleas, Hamas remains unresponsive to the calls of world leaders and persists in holding onto the hostages. 

The IDF has made a commitment to relentlessly pursue the release of their people from the clutches of their captors.

The IDF on a post on Facebook said, "This week, people around the world are celebrating the holiday of Passover, a holiday that commemorates the Jewish people being freed from slavery. But this year, we still have 133 empty seats around the table."

"We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure the safe return of our hostages, as we continue to defend Israel."

"Tonight we’ll be marking this Passover around the dinner table and on the battlefield, celebrating our traditions, our heritage, our culture. "

"Happy Passover from the IDF"

In another post, the IDF uploaded the ancient script saying, "the Haggadah is a text read around the Passover table every year, telling the story of the exodus of the Jewish People from Egypt.'

This year, we tell the same story but we fight for a different cause. No longer the liberation of our people from Egypt but the liberation of the hostages from Hamas and our right to defend our home."

Credited To Israeli Defence Force Facebook page.

Massive Fire Erupts In Rivers As Tanker Explodes, Resulting In Vehicle Destruction

 

At least 10 vehicles were engulfed in flames due to a tanker blast at the Eleme area of the East-West Road in Rivers State on Friday evening.

According to PUNCH a minimum of four people are suspected to have lost their lives in the tragic event. 

The explosion originated from a tanker carrying petroleum products, causing damage to nearby vehicles in the congested vicinity. 

The incident which occured at approximately 9:15 pm, took place near the Indorama Petrochemical Company situated along the Akpojo-Onne stretch of the East-West Road.

After the incident, it was gathered that numerous travelers and commuters were left stranded due to the road closure leading to Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and other destinations. 

Upon reaching out for information, Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state police command, acknowledged that she had not received a situation report regarding the incident but assured that she would investigate and provide an update.

Burkina Faso Halts Transmission Of VOA And BBC/Africa Broadcasts

The Superior Council of Communication in Burkina Faso has recently decided to temporarily suspend the programs of Voice of America and BBC/Africa due to the coverage of a Human Rights Watch report accusing the Burkinabè army of abuses against civilians. 

According to VOA, the suspension includes halting rebroadcasts and program suspensions for two weeks, as well as blocking access to the websites and digital platforms of BBC, VOA, and Human Rights Watch within the country. 

Military-controlled Burkina Faso has recently halted the operations of other Western media outlets, such as French television broadcasters LCI and France24, French radio broadcaster Radio France Internationale, the French daily newspaper Le Monde, and the French magazine Jeune Afrique.

Sadibou Marong, the director of the Reporters Without Borders sub-Saharan Africa bureau, echoed this sentiment, describing the suspensions as another setback for press freedom in Burkina Faso.

Marong, based in Dakar, Senegal, criticized the authorities for using suspensions as a tool against those who strive to report without constraints.

Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, is among the West African nations in the Sahel region grappling with Islamist insurgencies. The military took control in a coup in 2022, citing the government's inability to quell a jihadist uprising that began in 2015.

Once praised as a regional beacon of media freedom, Burkina Faso has seen a decline in press freedom following military takeovers in January and September 2022.

Both VOA and BBC have expressed their commitment to continue reporting on Burkina Faso despite the suspension, emphasizing the importance of independent and accurate news coverage. Press freedom groups have criticized the decision, highlighting a concerning pattern of censorship in the country.

Ghanaian Student Breaks Guinness World Record By Hugging 1,123 Trees Within A Span Of One Hour

Abubakar Tahiru, a 29-year-old Ghanaian environmental activist and forestry student, has made history by setting a new record in the Guinness Book of World Records.

In just one hour, Tahiru managed to hug an astounding 1,123 trees, earning him the title of record holder. Not only did he surpass the minimum requirement of 700 trees, but he also became the first person ever to achieve this feat.

According to the PUCH, the event took place at the Tuskegee National Forest in Alabama, USA, where Tahiru embraced an impressive average of nearly 19 trees per minute. His passion for nature and conservation stems from his upbringing in a farming community in Tepa, Ghana. It was there that he developed a deep appreciation for the environment.

After completing his undergraduate degree in forestry at one of Ghana's prestigious universities, Tahiru decided to pursue his master's degree in forestry at Auburn University in Alabama. 

His dedication to preserving nature and his remarkable achievement in hugging trees exemplify his commitment to environmental conservation.

The achievement by Tahiru has reignited the competition between Nigeria and Ghana, following closely after a Nigerian broke a record in the US for the longest Chest game played.

Nigerians have taken to social media to poke fun at their Ghanaian counterparts, suggesting that such records are within Ghana's reach, accompanied by laughing emojis.

@Joseph said, "This one lack love in his life so he decided to embrace trees.

@Yemi Davis said,  "It cam only be in Ghana that you can find such. May God help us all."

@Peace said, "Why the negative comments, what he broke is related to what he studied in school. He did what is in his reach.It's a plantation forest..... Congratulations "

@Done Steve said , "Other fellow humans are celebrating innovations, our own African brother is there hugging trees "

@Stephenie Steve said, "Huggiritus, Ghana Own would always be different,he must be familiar with the gods of the trees..."

While some Nigerians persisted in mocking Tahiru and Ghana,  a few opted to see the achievement from a different perspective and commended Tahiru's efforts, recognizing him as a true African hero.

60-year-old Man Flogged To Death In Anambra

A 60-year-old man named Mr. Kenneth has tragically lost his life in Nza Ozubulu, Anambra State, following a brutal incident of flogging.

Eyewitnesses have revealed that Kenneth was subjected to this horrific act due to allegations of selling a water tank within his family property and utilizing the proceeds to resolve family disputes. 

Disturbingly, his younger brother reportedly apprehended him with the assistance of a vigilante group, who then carried out the punishment. 

A viral video captures the vigilante group mercilessly flogging Kenneth with a cutlass, causing him immense pain.

In response to this shocking incident, Nigerians have taken to social media platforms, urging the state governor and the police to ensure that the perpetrators face the full force of the law.

Additionally, they are calling upon the government to provide protection for Kenneth's grieving wife and children, who are currently facing intimidation in their pursuit of justice for their late husband and father.

The police have not yet issued an official statement regarding the matter.

Credited to Instablog9ja.

US Deliver Long-range Ballistic Missile To Ukraine.

The U.S. has delivered long-range tactical ballistic missiles, ATACMS, to Ukraine, as reported by Major Charlie Dietz, a spokesperson for the U.S. defense department. 

According to VOA, the ATACMS have a range of 300 kilometers, significantly extending Ukraine's missile capabilities.

This delivery was part of a $300 million military aid package provided to Kyiv by the U.S. in mid-March. 

Dietz did not confirm if more ATACMS are included in the latest aid package. 

 According to two U.S. officials, VOA has received information that Ukraine used the ATACMS on Tuesday evening. Various media outlets have reported that these missiles were initially used last week against Russian targets in the Crimean Peninsula, which was annexed illegally.

Credited to VOA online.

Dozens Killed by East African Flood, Kenya Military Deployed

The devastating impact of the East African flood has resulted in the loss of numerous lives, prompting the deployment of Kenya's military.

Following heavy rains that have caused widespread devastation in the region, Kenya's military has been deployed to assist in rescuing victims and providing aid.

As the heavy rain persist, the water level in the Narobi River has surged, causing it to breach its banks and inundate the city with an overflow of water.

In the aftermath of the Nairobi River overflowing iand wreaking havoc on the Mathare Valley settlement in Nairobi, residents are now faced with the daunting task of salvaging their belongings. 

The Kenya Red Cross has reported that the death toll in Kenya due to the ongoing floods has risen to 45, with an additional 10 fatalities recorded since Monday.

Collins Obondo, 38, shared the heart-wrenching story of losing multiple family members in the devastating flooding that struck Nairobi's densely populated Mathare neighborhood. He described the harrowing scene of his cousin desperately trying to save their neighbor, with her body tragically trapped amidst the wreckage.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa informed parliament that the death toll in neighboring Tanzania has now reached 155 due to the relentless rains. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of people in Burundi have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the ongoing disaster.

He mentioned that by deploying soldiers, a greater number of individuals can be reached and the situations are more likely to be brought under control.

US Is Set To Withdraw It"s Troops From Chad

The United States is set to withdraw its troops from Chad, marking another setback for its Africa policy. 

This move follows the recent decision to withdraw over 1,000 military personnel from Niger.

According to New York Times, the Pentagon is being compelled to reduce its troop presence due to the demands of African governments to renegotiate the terms and conditions of their cooperation.

These countries are seeking terms that align more closely with their own interests. While the withdrawal from Niger is definite, U.S. officials are hopeful that talks on security cooperation can resume after the upcoming elections in Chad.

This withdrawal coincides with a shift in alliances, as countries like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso are increasingly turning towards Russia for partnerships or exploring closer security ties.

  

UK Based Nigerian Man Beat Wife To Death With Skateboard

Olubunmi Abodunde, a Nigerian man living in the United Kingdom, was reported to have used his son's skateboard to fatally beat his wife, Taiwo, to death.

The couple, who relocated from Nigeria to the UK in 2022, had a history of disputes related to suspected infidelity and disagreements over financial matters.

According to DailMail, Abodunde, aged 48, had been previously questioned by Suffolk Police regarding domestic abuse issues and was set to face a murder trial. However, he changed his plea to guilty after the jury was sworn in.

Despite bail conditions prohibiting him from entering the property due to a prior violent incident, Abodunde was found inside the house after officers heard disturbing noises. Upon entering, they discovered Taiwo, aged 41, with severe head injuries.

Judge Martyn Levett, presiding at Ipswich Crown Court, informed Abodunde that the likely sentence would be life imprisonment.

Following the tragic event, Suffolk Constabulary has initiated an internal investigation and referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Three officers are currently under scrutiny for potential misconduct.

Abodunde had a history of unfounded jealousy and had previously accused his wife of being unfaithful. Prior to the fatal incident, he had been involved in multiple police investigations regarding domestic violence allegations.

On April 27 of the previous year, he was apprehended when the police arrived at the residence of the couple in Newmarket, Suffolk, and discovered Mrs. Abodunde with a split lip.

Later that same day, he was released on police bail under the condition that he stayed away from their marital home and refrained from approaching his wife.

However, after completing a night shift at Tesco, he returned home shortly after 9 am, allegedly to retrieve his mobile phone.

At 9:20 am, two officers arrived to obtain a statement from Mrs. Abodunde regarding the incident from the previous night. They heard repeated banging noises coming from inside the house.

However, it wasn't until 9:55 am that they forcibly entered the premises with the approval of senior officers. They discovered Mrs. Abodunde near the front door, clearly deceased.

A subsequent post-mortem examination revealed that she had been strangled until she lost consciousness, then subjected to stomping that resulted in broken ribs, before her husband used a skateboard to deliver the final blow. The force of the blows was so severe that the skateboard sustained damage.

Prosecutor Simon Spence KC informed the court that the banging noises heard by the officers were likely the sounds of Abodunde continuing to assault his wife even after she had become unconscious or deceased.

While Mrs. Abodunde worked as a care home assistant in Cambridge, her husband, who had received training as a civil engineer, struggled to find employment in his field and instead took on shifts at Tesco and Wickes.

Following his arrest for the murder, Abodunde was taken to the hospital due to what appeared to be a mental episode.

In a subsequent police statement, he claimed to have acted in self-defense, stating, "My wife has subjected me to physical abuse for a number of years. On November 28, we got into an argument. She ran at me with a knife, I grabbed the knife and cut my hand. I was defending myself."

However, the court was informed that although he did have an injury to his hand, there was no knife found near his wife's body.

Nneka Akudolu KC, the defense attorney, argued that her client's violent behavior was completely out of character and may have been influenced by the medication he was taking. However, she clarified that there would be no medical evidence presented to support this claim.

Detective Inspector Dan Connick, from Suffolk Police, expressed his dismay after the hearing, stating, "This was a horrific attack that has had a lasting impact on the community and, most importantly, on the victim's family."

"We are relieved that Taiwo's family will not have to endure the pain of a trial. Our thoughts are with them and we hope that this outcome brings them some solace."

Taiwo Abodunde was employed at Cambridge Manor Care Home, a facility that offers dementia care and residential and respite care. A spokesperson for the home, which is owned by TLC Care, expressed their deep shock and sadness over Taiwo's tragic death. They emphasized that Taiwo was a beloved member of their community and will be greatly missed by both the staff and residents.

Abodunde has been remanded in custody and will face sentencing on May 9th.

Spice Girls Reunited At Victoria Beckham's 50th Birthday Anniversary

The Spice Girls, consisting of Victoria Beckham, Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Geri Horner, and Melanie Chisholm, surprised fans with a reunion at Victoria's 50th birthday celebration in London. 

The group performed their iconic song, Stop, and the moment was captured by Victoria's husband, David Beckham, who shared it on Instagram. 

Victoria expressed her joy in the comments, calling it the "best night ever" and using the hashtag #SpiceUpYourLife, a reference to one of their popular songs. 

The star-studded party took place at Oswald's private members club and included celebrity guests like Tom Cruise, Salma Hayek, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Gordon Ramsay. 

Prior to the event, Victoria shared photos of her family, all dressed elegantly for the occasion. 

Despite recent sightings of Victoria on crutches, she did not use them during the celebration. 

The bandmates were seen singing along to their performance, reminiscent of their 1990s heyday. 

A devoted Spice Girls fan and comedian, Samuel Zernig, expressed his excitement, stating that the video brought him immense joy and generated global attention.

According to BBC, Fans across social media expressed their excitement at the reunion of the five Spice Girls after years apart, with many leaving comments on Beckham's post.

One fan wrote, "David, you truly are the top social media manager, thank you for providing us with this content."

Another fan shared, "This is the moment the entire world has been eagerly anticipating."

A third person compared their feelings towards the Spice Girls to their daughter's admiration for Taylor Swift.

Numerous fans urged the band to embark on another tour, with one fan even suggesting, "Can we discuss taking this to Glastonbury?"

Coral, the bookmaker, has now reduced the odds on an official Spice Girls reunion in 2024, as well as a Glastonbury performance and a new album in 2025, following the birthday celebration performance.

The Spice Girls were formed in 1994 after responding to an advertisement seeking members for an all-female group.

Their debut single, Wannabe, topped the charts in 1996, sparking "Spice mania" worldwide, with their "Girl Power" message of female empowerment becoming a global cultural phenomenon.

In total, they achieved nine UK number one hits, including Say You'll Be There, 2 Become 1, Who Do You Think You Are, Spice Up Your Life, and Viva Forever.

Geri Halliwell departed from the Spice Girls in 1998, and the group eventually disbanded in 2001. 

However, they reunited for tours in 2007 and a performance at the London Olympics closing ceremony in 2012. A European tour took place in 2019, but Victoria did not participate.

Credited to BBC

Cities Across East Africa Ravaged by Deadly Rains and Floods

Recent torrential rains, floods, and landslides have wreaked havoc across East Africa, claiming the lives of at least 200 people and causing widespread destruction in Tanzania, Kenya, and Burundi. This catastrophe, exacerbated by climate change and inadequate infrastructure, has once again highlighted the urgent need for action.

According to New Your Times, the relentless downpours have left homes submerged, businesses demolished, and countless individuals stranded on rooftops. Moreover, they have exposed the dire state of roads and drainage systems in major cities, a longstanding concern voiced by residents. It is the impoverished communities, residing in sprawling shantytowns with limited access to basic necessities, that bear the brunt of these devastating floods.

In response to this calamity, activists and opposition figures are urging governments to go beyond mere disaster response and prioritize long-term solutions. Raila Odinga, a prominent opposition figure in Kenya, emphasized the importance of preparedness and called for proactive measures to save lives.

"We must learn from the ongoing devastation and take decisive action to prevent a crisis of even greater magnitude," stated Mr. Odinga during a press conference. "Instead of constantly seeking external assistance, we should focus on improving our infrastructure and implementing measures to mitigate the impact of future floods."

It is crucial that governments in East Africa heed these calls and prioritize the development of resilient infrastructure to safeguard their citizens from the destructive forces of nature. Only through proactive measures and long-term planning can we hope to prevent such catastrophic events in the future.

Photo Credited to New York Times.

29 Pilot Whales Perish Following Mass Stranding on Australian Coast

Over 100 long-finned pilot whales that were stranded on the shores of Western Australia have been successfully returned to the ocean, while 29 of them tragically lost their lives on the beach, according to wildlife officials.

According to New York Times, efforts are underway to remove the deceased whales from the beach, as stated by Pia Courtis, a regional wildlife officer with the Parks and Wildlife Service for Western Australia, during a news conference shared on social media. The agency is planning to collect biological samples and measurements from the deceased whales for further research.

After assisting the remaining whales back into the sea, marine officials and volunteers are closely monitoring the area with boats and a spotter plane to prevent them from returning to shore.

The four pods of 160 pilot whales were found stranded across approximately 1,640 feet of beach at the Toby Inlet near Dunsborough, Western Australia, as reported by local wildlife officials in a statement on social media.

Photos posted by the wildlife service on Facebook depicted rows of whales on the shore with onlookers witnessing the mass stranding.

The rescued whales have since moved further offshore and were last observed traveling north, according to the wildlife department.

As of now, the rescued whales have not returned to shore, but continuous monitoring is being conducted to ensure their safety, Ms. Courtis mentioned.

The cause of the stranding, which mainly involved adult females and a few calves, remains unknown. Experts have suggested various reasons for such incidents, including whales following a sick or stuck whale and getting stranded themselves, confusion due to human-induced undersea noise, or an attempt to evade predators. Australia has witnessed several mass strandings in recent years.

In July, a remote beach in Western Australia became the site of a tragic incident as nearly 100 long-finned pilot whales found themselves stranded in the shallow waters. Despite efforts to save them, over 50 of these magnificent creatures perished, and the remaining whales had to be euthanized later on.

Australia experienced one of its deadliest strandings in 2020, when a staggering 470 whales were beached along the coastline of Tasmania. Unfortunately, the majority of these whales did not survive the ordeal.

Pilot whales are remarkable creatures that can reach lengths of up to 24 feet and weigh as much as 6,600 pounds. When these whales become stranded, rescuers face a race against time due to the risk of their own weight crushing their organs once they are out of the water.

These social animals, whether short or long-finned, are known for their strong social bonds and tendency to live in large schools consisting of hundreds of whales. These schools are further divided into close-knit pods of 10 to 20 individuals, as stated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The occurrence of mass strandings on beaches serves as a poignant reminder of the deep social connections that exist among these remarkable creatures.

Prominent Iranian Hip Hop Artist Sentence To Death

Prominent Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi has been sentenced to death in Iran for his involvement in the 2022 protests and his music supporting the demonstrations, according to his lawyer. 

The New York Times revealed that the  case has received international condemnation due to concerns over human rights abuses and the potential for execution. 

Salehi's lawyer stated that he plans to appeal the court's decision. 

The U.S. Special Envoy for Iran has also criticized the sentence, highlighting the regime's disregard for human rights and the Iranian people's desire for democratic change. 

Salehi was initially arrested in October 2022 for his music criticizing the government and encouraging protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. 

The charges against him include "spreading corruption on earth," which carries the death penalty. Reports of torture and injuries sustained by Salehi have raised further alarm.

Toomaj Salehi is an Iranian hip hop artist, who gained recognition for his impactful protest songs that shed light on the societal issues in Iran and criticize the policies of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In addition to his music career, Salehi works as a laborer at a metalworking factory. Unfortunately, his involvement in the 2022 Iran protests led to a harsh sentence of six years in prison by the Iranian government.

Tragically, on 24 April 2024, Toomaj Salehi received a death sentence for charges related to his participation in the protests that took place in Iran between 2022 and 2023.

Long-Surviving Conjoined Twins Die at 62

Lori and George Schappell, conjoined twins who defied the odds and led separate lives, passed away on April 7 in Philadelphia at the age of 62.

The cause of their death has not been disclosed by the funeral home that made the announcement.

According to  Newyork Times, Dr. Christopher Moir, a renowned surgeon from the Mayo Clinic, explained that the bond between conjoined twins is so strong that when one passes away, the other is likely to follow shortly after. 

This is due to the shared circulation between them, making it a fatal and nonviable situation unless they are surgically separated.

Despite being born as craniopagus twins, joined at the head, Lori and George surpassed expectations and lived much longer than anticipated. 

Their unique condition, where they were connected at the sides of their foreheads and faced opposite directions, did not hinder their determination to live independent lives.

Lori, who was able-bodied, took on the responsibility of pushing George, who had spina bifida, on a wheeled stool. George, originally assigned female at birth, embraced his true identity as a trans man in the 1990s and adopted the name Reba, inspired by the country singer Reba McEntire.

Their story of resilience and individuality serves as a reminder to look beyond their physical connection and recognize them as distinct individuals.

Credited to Newyork Times.